News Update: UNESCO's New World Heritage Sites, Tauck's Loft-Like Cruise Suites and the A380 Might Come to America

(c) Department of Archaeology, National Museum & Library, Be Be Stupa, Sri Ksetra - Pyu Ancient Cities (Myanmar)

UNESCO Names New World Heritage Sites

CNN - June 22, 2014

Over the weekend, UNESCO added a number of locations to its World Heritage List, including the first-ever site from Myanmar. The Pyu Ancient Cities in Myanmar were added to the list, along with dozens of others, extending it to more than 1,000 cultural and natural treasures. Other sites added include the vineyard landscape of Piedmont in Italy, the Grand Canal in China and the Pergamon and its cultural landscape in Turkey.

#MyTake: The list of World Heritage Sites has grown significantly since it began in 1978, and UNESCO is expected to add more to the list in the following days. This is an indication that more countries are taking the time to protect these cultural sites and acknowledge their value. Not only that, but they hope to use this status to promote themselves as desirable destinations, touting the fact that they have such wonderful, historic and outstanding attractions.

Four Seasons Invests in Adventure Travel

TravelPulse - June 23, 2014

Four Seasons Hotels is a well-known name in the luxury travel market, but it's doing more to cater to younger travelers taking long haul trips and seeking experiential travel. In Asia, the hotel brand has turned to its activities to provide special experiences to travelers, showing they can have luxury and an authentic trip at the same time. The Four Seasons Resort Langkawi in Malaysia features a Mangroves & Eagles Safari that takes guests on a wildlife adventure through a maze of limestone cliffs, rock formations and mangroves. The Four Seasons Resort Kuda Huraa in the Maldives is considered a top surfing destination, and the resort caters to thrill-seekers with its new series of chartered "surfers," which use a seaplane to go from one break to the next so surfers are guaranteed to catch the next wave. The hotel brand also features a number of other tour packages, as well as special adventures for children.

#MyTake: Luxury travel has made a comeback in recent years, even with a somewhat slow economic recovery. People are eager to travel again, but they don't just want to sit on the beach all day at a luxury resort (though that might be nice for some people), they want to experience a destination to its fullest. This is especially true of Millennial travelers, many of which are coming into their own financially and want to treat themselves to something unique and special. It's not just about going to a destination anymore, it's about immersing yourself in the culture and the environment to a greater extent.

Tauck Launches Newest Ship With Loft-Like Suites

Travel Weekly - June 23, 2014

The Tauck travel company christened its newest ship, the Savor, which features loft-like suites in the hard-to-sell lower-deck cabins. The Savor, along with sister ship Inspire (which set sail in April), are part of a new class that ushers in this new suite concept. The cabins feature high ceilings and a raised seating area along windows that can be opened. This is far from the standard lower-deck cabin with just a porthole window. The 130-passenger Savor will sail the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers.

#MyTake: Tauck acknowledged that lower-deck cabins are often tougher to sell. Rather than continuing to find new verbiage to promote these cabins, they decided to engineer something more appealing. While upper-deck suites might be more popular, this certainly introduces something different and exciting for people to experience, and travelers are always curious about new features. Not only that, but it allows Tauck to more easily sell these once overlooked cabins.

TSA Increases Traveler Fees

TravelPulse - June 19, 2014

On July 1, 2014, the Transportation Security Administration fees, which are added to airline ticket prices, will increase. The TSA fee will rise from $2.50 for a non-stop flight to $5 for a trip with a layover and a flat rate of $5.60 for each leg of a trip. Now, however, the TSA said it's looking to charge an extra $5.60 fee for each leg of a flight where there's a connection of more than four hours. This basically means the TSA has changed the definition of a round trip, and travelers with super long layovers will be forced to pay a little more. The move is not being taken lightly by the travel industry, and it will take public comment for the next two months.

#MyTake: Aviation security is still a big concern, and there needs to be funding for it, and I don't think many people would argue with that. However, this additional note in the Federal Register is unfair to travelers and to airlines. It might seem like a small fee, but it can add up, and most frequent travelers don't have endless sums of money. At the same time, airlines could be blamed by travelers who are unaware of where the fee actually comes from, but it's the government that's implementing it. This could cause more customer dissatisfaction, unless airlines make it clear in their pricing what fees are for what. And lets face it, most people aren't going to research it or take the time to read every detail, they'll just get angry at the increase in fees.

A380 Might Make Its Way to America

BusinessWeek - June 23, 2014

Rumor has it that Airbus's A380 superjumbo jet may be making its way stateside. According to Mark Lapidus, the chief executive officer of the aircraft leasing company Amedeo, Delta Air Lines will be the first U.S. carrier to fly the A380. Delta has denied any interest in the plane, saying it doesn't fit the needs or scope of the airline. However, the larger aircraft, which is mostly flown by Middle East, European and Australian airlines, does hold some potential for the U.S., and Lapidus believes it would be a good move for the one of the North American airlines to bite. 

#MyTake: The A380 isn't really suitable for an American fleet, just because it's too big for most of the networks. U.S. airlines bank on less seating, therefore making it easier to charge more for limited spots on frequent routes. The A380 seats 600 people, and that wouldn't work for the U.S. airlines's profit margins. However, the aircraft could make it easier to offer segmented cabin space, which has experienced a gain in interest from travelers, especially global business travelers willing to spend a little more for extra leg room and additional amenities, but not the full amount for first or business class. For now, the rumors will stay just that. But I'll definitely keep an ear to the ground - er - sky on this one.

You’re Staying Where?

I love hotels! It may sound weird, but I really do. I like walking into a new place I’ve never been before, nicely cleaned and set up, just waiting for my arrival. I like seeing what each new room has to offer, from their toiletries, decorations and random other amenities. It’s exciting to be in a different place that isn’t your apartment, even if it’s just for a couple days. While every kind of hotel is thrilling, and I would more than happy to stay at a random Holiday Inn somewhere, in all honesty, it’s the luxury or boutique styles that are the most appealing to me. I mean, they are just so different than your typical chain hotels—which, unfortunately make up the majority of locations in the country. The real tragedy is not just that there are fewer unique hotels, but they are also much more expensive. But to experience something truly out there…I think it would be worth the money.

Sala Silvergruva. Credit: WSJ

So, you can just imagine how excited I got when I read about Sweden’s Sala Silvergruva, a hotel that is so far from ordinary, it borders on creepy. It’s located in a 600-year-old silver mine dug in solid marble. The high-style rooms are situated over 50 stories below ground, and it takes guests a full four minutes in an elevator to get to the outside world. The rooms have silver leather chairs and candelabras all over. And since you are sleeping underground, the hotel uses a partition and electric heaters to bring the temperature up from its usual 36 degrees to a more reasonable 64 degrees—down covers and extra blankets are provided. Talk about stepping out of your comfort zone.

If guests don’t want to sleep in a cave, they can opt for a wooden dormitory, originally built for miners. While it may not be as nice as the mine suite, it is much cheaper and you still get a similar experience. The suite costs around $600 per couple, with a dinner and subterranean tour included in the price. The dormitory costs $60 per person.

A cave is certainly intriguing to me, but I think sleeping in a refurbished plane would be more my style. At Stockholm’s Arlanda Airport, a Boeing 747 that used to fly for Pan Am was gutted and transformed into hotel accommodations. It has 27 rooms equipped with bunk beds and cabinets made from luggage bins. Guests share the bathrooms, but they have been revamped to include shows and porcelain toilets. If you have the money, you can get a suite in the nose and tail of the plane that have double beds and their own bathrooms. Bunk-bed rooms cost $60, while the suites cost around $500.

In the Netherlands, an old harbor crane was made into a one-room inn. The cab sits atop four legs at 56 feet high and features a double bed and bathroom with a toilet and showers. It has large windows that offer panoramic views, but the cab is still designed to rotate, so guests can change their view with the push of a joystick. Day rates range from $570 to $857.

While some of these sound really interesting, and I would like to try them out at least once, there is one concept I think I would gladly skip: A prison. That’s right, you heard me correctly. Some hoteliers have taken to turning closed down prisons into boutique hotels. I cannot imagine two things more opposite. The Malmaison Oxford Hotel was converted from a prison in 2005. Part of the old complex dates back to 1071—which I guess is pretty cool. But I don’t know if I could sleep in an old cell that once housed killers, rapists and thieves. Stockholm’s Långholmen Hotel was also once a prison. It was where Sweden’s last execution was held in 1910 and closed in 1975. Decorations include mirrors that mimic guillotines and gray sheets striped like prison uniforms. Rooms are very small and have bunk beds.

So, there are more than a few quirky places out there for me to explore, and hopefully one day I'll get to see these hotels and experience everything they have to offer. Because, let's face it, it's not everyday you can sleep in a silver mine or an oil-rig escape pod, so why not step out of the ordinary, just once.

A Nice Parting Gift

How many of you are guilty of swiping those miniature bottles of soap, conditioner and lotion from a hotel bathroom before checking out? Come on, don't be shy. Trust me, we all do it, especially if they are a particularly nice brand. I mean, let's be honest, a tiny bottle with a Comfort Inn label stuck on it is not exactly appealing. But slap L'Occitane or Peter Thomas Roth or Crabtree & Evelyn on it, and it instantly becomes a high-end item. Luckily for us, more hotels are choosing to stock their bathrooms with products from well-known beauty companies. Hotels see it as a marketing strategy, as well as a way to boost awareness of certain brands. For guests, it's a nice little gift to take with us to use on our next trip. (Especially since hotel bath products conveniently fit the no-liquid-carry-ons-over-three-ounces rule.)

Peter Thomas Roth. Credit: WSJ

Hilton Hotels recently commissioned six new products from Peter Thomas Roth's cosmetics brand, which will be useed in all its name-brand hotels. It's mid-market brands, Embassy Suites and Doubletree now carry Crabtree & Evelyn. Since Hilton is a hotel within my price range, I'm happy to hear about these developments and upgrades.

The Ritz-Carlton features products with their own label, but I have a feeling that they are not cheaply made by any means. Especially considering that the hotel stocks its Club Floors and suites with Bulgari products--not too shabby.

Bliss. Credit: WSJ

Starwood's boutique hotel chain, W, opted for products that fit the modern, edgy decor of its hotels. It chose Bliss beauty brand, which appeals to a younger demographic--apparently my generation. I had honestly never heard of Bliss until reading about it being featured at W, but it has certainly caught my attention.

The question is, do these beauty brands gain anything from putting their products in hotel bathrooms? I assume since they are free to use and guests take them at their leisure, probably not. But I also believe that many people, particularly women, would go in search of the brand after seeing it in a hotel. If nothing else, it's publicity.

I don't often stay in hotels, but when I do, I definitely check out the merchandise in the bathroom. More often than not, it is a brand I normally wouldn't buy, either cause of price or personal preference. So it can be nice to get a sample of something different. And if I really like it--or if it smells amazing--I just might considering picking some up for myself when I get home. Or just grab the bottles by the handfuls and never look back.

Aqua: A Hawaiian Boutique Hotel Chain

Once again my daily internet surfing has led me to another great travel find: Aqua Hotels & Resorts.

This boutique chain of hotels span across five of the Hawaiian islands, offering travelers a unique getaway in the tropical paradise. The chain has upscale, budget-friendly and remote properties, so no matter what people are looking for, they are sure to find a hotel that suits their needs.

Me, for instance, am a young travler on a tight budget, so I decided to check out Aqua's Lite Line, which features five options at a lower price. Pretty much all of them are located somewhere in Waikiki, so if you are looking for something less touristy, you will want to check out one of the chains more expensive hotels.

Aloha Surf & Spa. Credit: Aqua Resorts website

The Aqua Aloha Surf & Spa sits in a quiet neighborhood, but is still only five minutes from the excitement of the beach and Kuhio Avenue. This place is a surfer's paradise, with the lounge decked out with large screen televisions broadcasting surf classics and edgy decor that speaks to the free spirited traveler. Each room has internet, a flat screen TV, microwave, mini fridge and coffee maker. If you are lucky enough to snag a view room, you will get a lovely picture of the Ala Wai Golf Course with teh Koolau Mountain range in the background. Budget-conscious guests will also enjoy the complimentary Continental breakfast that includes fresh fruit, pastries and beverages. There is also a complimentary reception every Tuesday from 5-6 featuring the hotel's signature drink "The Wipeout."

The Aloha Surf & Spa was the one that most caught my attention, but the company has a few other budget hotels worth checking out: The Aqua Waikiki Pearl recently underwent a renovation to update its rooms and general layout; Maile Sky Court is a high-rise hotel at the western end of Waikiki; Park Shore Waikiki offers some of the best views of the beach and surrounding city; and Waikiki Wave Hotel &Resort has been named a top best-value hotel by Budget Travel magazine.

I didn't bother looking at Aqua's more upscale resorts--partly because I did not want to torture myself by looking at pictures of a place I could never afford. However, if you are lucky enough to have the funds to stay at a more expensive hotel, I suggest checking out their luxury boutiques, especially the ones that are a little further from the beach, nestled in the more secluded confines of the Hawaiian islands.

A Room Fit for a Princess

As many of you know, tomorrow is the day of the royal wedding, when Prince William will marry Kate Middleton in front of 2,000 guests and nearly one billion viewers around the world. Kate will ride down a long parade route, waving at spectators that have been camping out for days just to get a glimpse of her white-gloved hand. She will then step out in front of Westminster Abbey where thousands of paparrazi will flash pictures of the gorgeous bride in her flowing wedding gown designed by--well, we don't know yet. Once she walks through the doors, she will float down the aisle towards her prince, who she will promise to love and cherish until death parts them.

Needless to say, Kate's under a lot of pressure.

So how do you prepare for such a large spectacle as this? Stay in a fabulous hotel, of course!

Kate will be spending her last night as a single lady in the five-star luxury Goring Hotel, located just around the corner from Buckingham Palace. The hotel opened in 1910 and is still owned by the family of the founder. It was credited as one of the first hotels in the world to offer a private bathroom for each room. And since it is so close to the palace, it has had the privilege of hosting a number of royal celebrities, including Queen Mary and Queen Mother Elizabeth, who both enjoyed tea at the Goring.

Kate and her family have taken over the hotel, with the recently redecorated five-room suite overlooking the garden reserved specifically for the bride. Her room comes with a four-poster bed, silk wallpaper and a waterproof flatscreen in the bathroom. While Kate might be a little too nervous to eat anything before the ceremony, I hope her family takes advantage of the first-class chef the hotel has on staff. The kitchen is known for its Lobster Thermidor omelets--yum!

The Goring defines itself as the quintessential British hotel. Each room is individually designed in a range of color palettes. Most rooms overlook the historic Victoria Square and Beeston Place, while a select few--including Kate's--overlook the garden. The bathrooms are stocked with Egyptian cotton bath sheets and various toiletries from English perfumer, Molton Brown. The hotel provides bathrobes and slippers, 24-hour room service, internet and on-demand movies. As far as other amenities, the Bar features a verandah that looks out over the gardens. It offers the finest wines, deep tea blends and wonderful treats to nibble on. The food at the Dining Room is prepared with fresh, local ingredients, and each dish is a tribute to English heritage and culture. They serve everything from Eggs Drumkilbo and Gulls Eggs to Cornish Sardines with Sea Sandwort and the best oysters on earth. (Their words, not mine.)

It certainly sounds like a fairytale, but then again, Kate will soon be spending her evenings in a palace, so this is a nice preview of what she will have the rest of her life.

Check in at Your Hotel at the Airport

Wouldn't it be nice to avoid the check-in line at the hotel? Wouldn't it be nice to avoid the baggage claim at the airport? Wouldn't it be nice to head straight to your room when you arrive where your bags are already waiting for you? Sounds like a dream, right? Well, one new airline is making it happen.

LV Air, a new luxury airline based in Las Vegas, is launching a route from New York's John F. Kennedy Airport to America's playground. So far, that is the only route the carrier has announced, but it does plan on providing more service, once it gets going.

Caesar's Palace in Vegas

So what makes this airline different? First of all, it offers a worry-free baggage service. Basically, when travelers check-in for their flight at the airport, they will check their bags onto the plane and into their hotel. Not only will they get to avoid the baggage claim, but their bags will be transported to the hotel for them. Also, when passengers get their boarding pass, they will also be handed their hotel room key. That's right, the airline automatically checks you into both the flight and hotel at the same time. LV Air will work with Las Vegas hotels to offer attractive packages for customers. Some benefits could include buffet meals, show tickets and nightclub access. Customers will get elite transportation service, with a limo taking them from the airport to their hotel. There will also be special smartphone apps that let the front desk at the hotel, limo service and club hosts know when customers are within 100 feet of the location, which helps to improve service.

There is also speculation about how the cabin of LV Air will be designed. The 18-seat first-class cabin will have fully reclining seats, and the decor will be created by casinos who will sponsor the airline. The main cabin will have wireless iPads, inter-seat texting and video, Wi-Fi access, club music and mood lighting. Safety briefings will not be done by flight attendants, but instead by holographic images of celebrities, alive or dead.

This certainly seems like a product of Las Vegas.

On The Road With the Oscars

If you find yourself traveling during the Academy Awards, you do not have to settle for watching it all alone in your hotel room with a bottle of wine and room service--though that is still a good option. But if you are looking for something a bit more social and fun, many hotels are hosting Oscar parties for guests, complete with food, contests and games. There are plenty of pre-show fashion events and themed cocktails to keep you entertained while hanging out with other hotel guests.

Some people may not think a hotel Oscar party would be well attended, but in a survey, 34% of people said they would go because it is way more fun to watch the Academy Awards with other people. Another 41% said it would depend on how good it is, and only 25% said they would not be interested.

Greektown Casino Hotel

In the home state of the Oscars, hotel guests can find a number of great parties to attend. In San Francisco, the sky lounge at the Top of the Mark at the Intercontinental Mark Hopkins is hosting a viewing with light appetizers and cocktails. Attendees have a chance to win a grab bag during the red carpet show by guessing the winners in specific categories.

The nation's capital is really getting into the festivities. The Jefferson Hotel is having an "Oscar Buzz" event, complete with special movie-themed cocktails starting at $15 each. The Washington Renaissance Hotel will project the show on its large-screen HD screen in the lobby while serving up chipotle-flavored popcorn and a variety of local micro-brews and cocktails.

New York certainly knows how to celebrate the film industry, and the W Union Square is a great place to enjoy the Oscars. For $40 per person, guests can enjoy gourmet popcorn, candy and adult milkshakes, as well as partake in a "fashion police" chat about all the red carpet glamour. 

Another eventful evening is taking place at the Homewood Suites in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. The hotel is hosting a party where guests have a chance to win a free stay or 1,000 Hilton HHonors points. The "best dressed" will win a future weekend stay, and the "worst dressed" will be awarded the Hilton points.

For those guests who want to watch the Oscars, but worry about not being able to hear the program at a loud party or bar, Salamander Resort in Tampa Bay is featuring a $10 in-room promo, including movie-style popcorn, a collection of candy and soda.

There are a number of other hotel parties going on around the country in which you can participate. So if you find yourself stuck in a hotel room for the big event, check with your concierge or someone at the front desk to see if your or any other local hotels are throwing an Oscar bash. Hey, it's better than sitting alone with that bottle of wine and some convenience-store chocolate while watching Anne Hathaway and James Franco make playful jabs at one another on stage.

And if you are not traveling on this most momentous of nights, then make yourself a nice dinner, pop a bowl of popcorn, open a bottle of bubbly and settle in. It's going to be an incredible evening! Enjoy the Academy Awards everyone!

Satisfaction Guaranteed

When it comes to travel, customer service is essential for success in air transportation, hospitality and facilities. So who will guarantee you a satisfactory travel experience?

Credit: J.D.Power & Associates

According to J.D. Power & Associates' 40 "Customer Service Champions" list, the Ritz-Carlton and Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts are two of the top customer service hotel chains in the United States. Enterprise Rent-A-Car was also a top company. As far as airlines are concerned, go with Southwest, JetBlue and Canada's WestJet to receive exceptional care and attention. A somewhat surprising member of the list is Indianapolis International Airport, which recently underwent a major redesign and reopened as a state-of-the-art facility in 2008.

J.D. Power based the awards off consumer surveys conducted over the past year. They use the five P method to measure how people feel about each company: people, presentation, price, product and process.

Of the selected travel companies, I only have experience with Enterprise.I am sad to say I have never stayed at the Ritz-Carlton or Four Seasons, or flown with Southwest or JetBlue or WestJet, or visited Indianapolis Airport. But I am excited to experience the customer service with these institutions, and I will definitely report back and let you know whether or not J.D. Power knows what its talking about.

Smoking Room? No Thank You

There was a time when hotels offered more smoking rooms than non-smoking. Now, hotels are switching tones, making their properties completely smoke-free. An article posted in USA Today said that more and more hotels around the U.S. are getting rid of smoking rooms, smoking sections in restaurants, and smoking lounges. Now, the only place where visitors can smoke is outside the hotel walls, and they have to stand at least 10 feet from the door.

Most hotels voluntarily banned smoking on their premises, while others are being forced by state laws and regulations. According to the AAA, over 13,000 hotels are now smoke-free. Many people do not realize that hotels are bit behind the times with smoking restrictions--I had no idea myself. Smoking was banned on airplanes back in the 90s, and restaurants and bars started getting rid of smoking back in 1994. Hotels did not start going smoke free until 2006. The biggest reason for the change was the growing health concerns of non-smokers being exposed to smoke on a regular basis. Guests demand healthy living environments, especially if they are traveling with children.

Many hotel representatives believe the trend will continue, especially with states passing regulations on smoking in public places. So far, Michigan and Wisconsin are the only two states that require all hotels and motels to be smoke free, and Nebraska may be the next.

But many people still smoke, and they feel they deserve an area in the hotel to smoke openly, and their rooms are the ideal place. But with all the health concerns and state initiatives, it seems hotels in the U.S. will probably all go smoke free.

Personally, I'm happy about this movement. It not only gets rid of the risk of being exposed to second-hand smoke, but also removes the cigarette smell that can cling to sheets and curtains, despite cleaning the room. I think the hotel experience will be greatly improved by making properties smoke free.

Hotels Upgrade to Boost Business

Even in times of economic worry, organizations are still trying to make improvements in order to please the customer, rather than making cuts to save money. The hospitality industry is one of them. Despite the crippling effects of the down economy and unpredictable stock market, business travel is on the rise, and hotels are trying to win over travelers as they jump from city to city for work.

The Chicago Tribune reported that hotel chains were looking at a number of different factors that travelers expected when staying at a hotel. Wi-Fi was the number one request from guests, followed closely by a quality workout facility and free breakfast. So hotels are starting to offer these amenities at a reasonable price point, rather than increasing rates and charging guests more for these extras. The hope is that customer loyalty will increase, bringing more guests to the hotels. The more business they get, the easier it will be to offer these kinds of benefits, without worrying about extra costs.

The question is whether or not business will improve, and if it does not, will hotels have to start pushing costs up in order to balance out offering free breakfast and Wi-Fi? Only time will really tell, but right now, hotels are investing in their product, hoping to secure loyal customers and keep people from migrating to other companies. Targeting business travelers is the main objective, because these people travel so frequently, they want to know they have a hotel they can trust. But since business travelers are always moving, hotels have to keep things fresh, offering comfortable benefits and amenities to help travelers relax for a moment during their hectic lives.

It's nice to see that hotels will go the extra mile to please their clients, rather than nickel and dime them on small fees like breakfast or parking or internet. I hope this continues as the economy slowly improves, and even after it's gotten back to it's pre-downturn state.

Hotel on the Market

The hotel and hospitality industry has been suffering in the wake of the economic downfall the past two years. Even with the recessions crippling effects, business and leisure travel has been on an upturn, increasing significantly in recent months. Hotels are eager to fill their rooms and keep them booked consistently throughout the rest of the year and the holiday season. Despite increased hotel occupancies and room rates, the hotel investment market is still slow, making investors hesitant to put money into any property. But Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. is crossing its fingers for a risk taker. According to Crain's Business, Starwood's loop property, W Chicago on Adams, is up for purchase, and they are hoping to get over $130 million dollars for the hotel.

Experts say it is a lofty goal, especially after the brand new JW Marriott Chicago opened its right across the street earlier this month. The 610-room hotel will certainly have an impact on what happens with the W, and some industry officials still think it's a worthy investment. Remember, Host Hotels & Resorts Inc. did purchase the Westin River North in August for $165 million, so there is still hope for the W. Although, it may not go for the initial asking price. Starwood may have to settle for less money, but it all depends on the group of investors they try to sell to.

It is promising, however, to know that quality properties like the W Chicago are being considered as worthwhile assets. It would be a real shame to see the hotel shut down entirely, another fallen victim in the hospitality industry's epic battle with the economy.

Have A Little Faith

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When it comes to hotel brand loyalty, the 2011 forecast does not look good. According to an annual survey by TripAdvisor, there was a severe drop in hotel brand loyalty this last year, the amount of people saying they are loyal to one hotel name dipping from 59 percent to 39 percent. Travel experts and analysts speculate that the economy could be the main reason for the decline, the recession causing more people to question prices even on quality products. Another reason people are changing their tendencies is due to more access to other options. With all the social media and review-based websites out there, people have a wealth of information available to them, which makes it easier to make frugal and savvy decisions.

So what is keeping people faithful to their brands? Rewards programs. A huge factor in maintaining client loyalty, hotel reward programs provide quality benefits, upgrades and services that make for a more intimate experience. But no matter what a hotel gives to a client, it all comes down to how the brand interacts with the guest. All the upgrades in the world cannot replace a friendly customer service experience, and guests appreciate personal attention that can make them feel like the only people in the hotel.

One of the biggest mistakes airlines have made is their lack of effort to reach out to travelers and make them loyal customers. Unless someone is a frequent flier on an airline, he or she will probably not receive the kind of treatment that will make them feel appreciated as a client. In fact, the main reason people say they are not loyal to airlines is because the company has not done anything to deserve the loyalty.

A hotel brand taking the necessary steps to show its appreciation for its customers is Preferred Hotel Group. Their I Prefer program lets travelers sign up for free and take advantage of special services right away. Where other reward programs require customers to build up points or stay a certain number of nights before cashing in on upgrades, I Prefer gives them automatic benefits at no fee. Who wouldn’t want to get extra amenities or priority check-in or exclusive offers just for becoming a member? The program also offers online booking rewards, like complimentary breakfasts and rounds of golf. There are a number of exclusive hotel deals and partner companies offers that members can take advantage of, all for no cost.

With loyalty rates dropping by 20 percentage points this year, hotel brands need to find ways to make their customers feel special; that their business is greatly appreciated. Every guest is looking for a memorable vacation, and hotels need to go out of their way to provide that. Some people are happy with a few extended amenities, such as 24-hour access to hotel facilities, free coffee in the rooms and the lobby, free wi-fi and complimentary food. Others are looking for better customer service and a welcoming atmosphere. Still others feel that competitive prices and discounts are essential to win their loyalty. When it comes down to it, though, every guest is looking to be amazed with their hotel experience, and even if the smallest gesture can win them over, it’s worth doing.

A Fun Article from Daily Candy

As I've mentioned before, I receive emails from Daily Candy Travel, and today's article was particularly interesting. It features some pretty interesting accomodations around the world, places where travelers can step out of their boring routines and into some unique digs. If the picture below doesn't intrigue you, nothing else will.

For more odd hotels, read the article!!

Delivering a Smile (and a Treat)

"A balanced diet is a cookie in each hand."

If there is one thing in this world I love more than traveling, it's chocolate. So anyone who combines those two is a winner in my book. Obviously most hotels place that glorious piece of chocolate on your pillow when the turn-down service comes to the room, creating an ever-so-delightful surge of joy when you return after a long day. But other than that, what is there?

I'll tell you what...the sweet, delicious aroma of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies wafting through an airplace cabin at 30,000 feet. That's right, you guessed it. The famous Midwest Airlines cookies! Since the mid 80s these moist, chocolatey morsels have become a staple of the airline. They are a symbol of the service Midwest wants to deliver to its flyers. And while every other airline is charging an inflated amount of money for sweets and snacks during a flight, Midwest is sticking with the complimentary cookie. It's a way to say thank you and give flyers a mid-air boost. Also, the cookies have set Midwest apart from other airlines. They are known as the airline that gives you cookies. And if something as little as a cookie can draw customers, why not do it?

Doubletree hotels also join Midwest on the cookie bandwagon. They have been giving fresh chocolate chip cookies to hotel guests as they check in since the early 80s. They make sure that cookies are available 24 hours a day. It is unclear how the cookies really affect the happiness of the customer, but most people seem to appreciate the generous favor. Doubletree wants to emphasize that their hotels and services are warm, personal, and inviting--just like a cookie.

I have not taken a Midwest flight since I was in college, but my experience was definitely improved by those two warm chocolate chip cookies melting in my mouth. The flight was made even better when the flight attendant--clearly seeing my elation as I devoured the delectable sweets--offered me another two because someone else had not wanted theirs. How could I say no?

It's the little things, like complimentary cookies, that make the stresses and annoyances of travel fade--even if it's just for a tasty, chocolatey moment.

Shipping up to Boston

This past week/weekend, I went to Boston, Massachusetts.

I had never been to beantown before, but I had expectations built up in my head. Historic buildings and architecture, classy neighborhoods, cold weather, good food, and, um, cultured people. And to my delight and dismay, most of those assumptions were correct.
On my first night in Boston, I was greeted by my best friend from high school, Emily, and she helped me hop the T--still not sure why it's called that--to my parent's hotel, the Taj. After dropping off my luggage, we headed out to meet everyone at a local seafood restaurant, Legal Seafood. My brother, his friends, and my parents were all a couple drinks in and still waiting for their food, so we joined the festivities. A couple samples from each person's dish, and I was convinced that Boston would have a promising food selection, and I would have to divulge in a full meal the next day. After dinner, Emily and I headed off with my brother and his entourage to a place called Foundation Lounge. Your pretty average loungy bar and hot night spot. We received bottle service--pretty classy right?--and relaxed on couches reserved for our group. After Emily left because she worked early the next morning, the bar continued to thrive with more and more people arriving. But what became clear was that this was not really my scene, and the people were not all that thrilled with our presence there either. My brother began dancing around tables and got a couple sharp glances from the local crowd. Apparently some behavior is just unacceptable in Boston.

After stumbling back to the hotel at 2 a.m.--so not my style on a Wednesday night--I crashed until about 9 a.m. or so. Once showered and a bottle of water in hand, my parents and I hit Newbury Street--the Michigan Avenue of Boston. Expensive clothing stores, cute boutiques, and fashionistas galore lined the street as we walked through the chilly fall air. Since it was almost noon when we finally started our day, we headed to a highly recommended restaurant on Newbury called Stephanie's. The warm setting, with a cozy fireplace and white linen table clothes, was welcoming for a group of tourists. After scanning the menu, which listed things from lobster salad rolls to citrus crusted salmon, I opted for an old classic which I have never had the opportunity to taste--New England Clam Chowder. Just a cup of this creamy mixture, and my entire body felt warm and satisfied. Definitely an item I will be eating again. The rest of the afternoon was spent scouring the shops for dresses--mostly for my mom--and I am happy to report that after four hours of searching, she finally found one she liked.

That night we all got dressed up for my brother's movie screening--the whole reason I went to Boston in the first place. Emily, her roommates, and I quickly dolled ourselves up in dresses and heels, while munching on cheese and crackers and sipping pinot grigio. Then we headed over to Cambridge--just across the river from Boston--to the theater where the movie was showing. We were greeted with free drinks and a spread of food. Once most guests had arrived, we moved into the theater, took our seats, and waited for the movie to begin. The Lonliest Road in America is the product of over a year of hard work and dedication from my brother, Colin Day, and his friend, Mardana Mayginnes (forgive the harmless plug). And it seems it was received with plenty of praise from the Boston crowd, and they aren't the easiest people to impress. The night ended with an after party at a local Irish pub with more drinks and food.

It's pretty clear I was well fed on this trip.

My last full day in Boston, I went sight seeing with my parents. We pretty much saw everything one should see while they're there: Trinity Church, Copley Square, Boston Common--to see the colors change,-- The Massachusetts State House, the Old State House, Faneuil Hall, and Quincy Market. At first, we had every intention of just making our way through Boston Common, and then we were not even sure what we would do next. But as it turns out, and this surprised me, Boston is not that big. Once we got through the Commons, there was the State House with its famous gold dome. Then we realized we were close to downtown, and it was an easy walk to the Old State House and Quincy Market. It was actually a very pleasant walk--minus the rain that seemed to follow us through the day. And while the city is not the easiest to navigate because the streets were not built on a grid system and there is no logical order to how they are set up, we were able to figure out--with help from street maps and my mom's GPS on her iphone--where we were and how to get to the next place. When we arrived at Quincy Market, we were starving. So we found a little cafe under the building called Salty Dog Grille and Cafe (sorry, couldn't find a website.) Now because of the location, it was pretty much known as a tourist spot. But we were hungry, it was raining, and we just needed some place to rest. We didn't want to wait for a table so we just sat at the bar, which turned out to be the best choice. It felt a lot more personal and comfortable, and the bartender was extremely friendly. My parents both got fish and chips and I opted for the crab cakes--another meal I was told I had to try while there. We each got a Sam Adams brew--them the Boston Lager, me the Oktoberfest--and they were very enjoyable.

After a long day of sightseeing, we headed back to the hotel, relaxed, showered and got ready to meet Emily for our last dinner in Boston. We went to a french restaurant that was recommended to us called Troquet. A quiant little place perfect for the theater crowd. A little fancier than I anticipated, but wonderful nontheless. My parents both ordered the lamb, Emily sampled the langoustines, and I nibbled on a rich pasta dish with mushrooms and truffle. If ever you're in Boston and you have a little extra money to spare, check this restaurant out, it is delicious.

Before my flight left on Saturday, there was still one more thing I had not done in Boston. I needed to go to the Omni Parker House and order a Boston Cream Pie--a round cake split and filled with custard and frosted with chocolate--the official desert of Massachusetts. The hotel apparently invented this sweet confection, though it is difficult to prove, so I figured why not go to the place where it all started. So after a large brunch with Emily and our friend Erik who came up to visit from New York, we headed over to the hotel. We ordered one piece to pie to share, and when it was placed on the table we all gazed in awe at its beauty. I almost didn't want to dig my fork into the perfect frosting...but I did! And heaven never tasted so good.

So maybe the people could have been nicer and the weather a little less dreary, but overall the trip to Boston was memorable. Add family, good friends, beautiful sights, strong drinks, and scrumptious food, and you've got yourself a darn good time in beantown.

Paper Heart in Paris

Last week, I had the privilege of viewing an early screening of the movie Paper Heart, starring Charlyne Yi, Michael Cera, and Jake Johnson. Basically, it's a documentary style movie mixed with a fictional story, and it's all about love. Does it really exist? Will Charlyne ever find it? How do you know you've found it? What is it? Charlyne embarks on a trip around the United States asking people these kinds of questions, hoping that it will change her own perceptions of love. Near the end of the film, the crew heads to the "city of love," Paris, thinking it could be a strong ending to the documentary. But Paris is tainted by Charlyne's sadness over losing her boyfriend, Michael Cera, who she may or may not love.

As I watched the scenes filmed in Paris, I couldn't help but feel an overwhelming desire to go back. I have visited Paris twice in my life: once when I was 6 or 7, so I don't really remember it that well; the second time was last summer when two of my friends and I backpacked around Europe. However, we only stayed for three days and our budget was limiting, so there was not a whole lot we could do. But now I'm thinking I need to go back again, stay for longer and allow myself a larger budget so I can fully enjoy all the city has to offer.

I was reading through the New York Times Travel section, and there was a question posed by a reader about cheap places to stay in Paris. I was intrigued, seeing as the city is so prominent in my mind today, so I clicked the headline and had myself a read. I loved some of the suggestions that offer quality lodging at a rate that won't empty the wallet. Matt Gross, the Frugal Traveler, gave some hotel names, and I happily looked into them.

• Hotel des Arts Bastille: located between Pere Lachaise Cemetery and Opera-Bastille, the hotel offers newly renovated rooms and an ideal location. It costs about $85 a night, which is certainly doable for a student like me. Let's face it, I don't need to stay in a 5-star resort...modest accomodations work for me.

• Les Chansonniers: This hotel sounded fun just beacuse it is themed after the great old French singers. Plus, it is only $65 a night, and is in a great location where there is a market twice a week and numerous restaurants, cafes, bars, and theatres.
  

• Hotel Langlois: This is a little pricier, but has a location closer to attractions like the Opera House. The hotel has a more historic feel than the others, giving visitors a better sense of the Old Paris. The price is about $163 a night, but for some travelers that is more than reasonable considering the look and feel of the hotel. Plus, it is Paris!

So while I will have to find a good time to travel to Paris, I know I have options for some more reasonably priced accomodations. Now, I just have to see who wants to come with me. Any takers?